Asylum seeker Transfers continue to Nauru

Transfers continue to Nauru

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today confirmed the successful transfer of 29 irregular maritime arrivals to Nauru, where they will be processed.

The group of single adult men departed Christmas Island late yesterday on a charter aircraft, escorted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), DIAC staff, interpreters and medical staff.

The group arrived in Nauru about 10am AEST. On arrival in Nauru, the 26 Sudanese and three Iranians nationals – the 21st transfer to Nauru – were subject to relevant immigration, customs and quarantine clearance processes.

They will now be settled into their accommodation at the regional processing centre and go through induction processes.

The completion of this transfer reaffirms the strong message of deterrence for anyone considering risking their lives on dangerous people smuggling boats.

“The Australian Government is committed to deterring people from taking dangerous journeys by boat and stopping those people smugglers who profit from this trade,” a DIAC spokesman said. “There will be no advantage for boat arrivals.”

Selection of this group was based on operational considerations and an assessment of their particular circumstances to confirm transfer was appropriate.

Transfers will continue to occur both to Manus and Nauru as part of the policy of regional processing of irregular maritime arrivals.

The spokesman said the Australian Government continues to implement the recommendations of the report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers, whose central principle provides that people choosing to travel to Australia by boat should receive no advantage.

“The Australian Government is committed to deterring people from taking dangerous journeys by boat and stopping those people smugglers who profit from this despicable trade,” the spokesman said.